Tournament organizers announced on Sunday evening local time that the BNP Paribas Open, will not be held due to concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 virus, or coronavirus. The qualifying draw was originally scheduled to begin on Monday, 9 March, with the main draw set to start two days later.
Indian Wells is one of the biggest sporting events to be cancelled due to the outbreak of the virus, which has led to almost 4,000 deaths globally as at the time of writing. The BNP Paribas Open is one of nine Masters 1000 tournaments on the ATP Tour, and one of four Premier Mandatory tournaments on the WTA Tour. The prestigious meet is often referred to as the unofficial ‘fifth slam’, with over 450,000 spectators attending the tournament in 2018 and 2019.
It remains unclear what will happen to future tournaments on the ATP and the WTA tours, but there are fears that more tournaments will be cancelled as the world continues to feel the effects of the virus.
World No. 2 and three-time Indian Wells champion, Rafael Nadal is one of many players to have had their say on Social Media, with the great Spaniard expressing sadness over the havoc caused by the virus, while hoping for a solution to the problem.
You probably all heard the news. Indian Wells cancelled. We are here and still deciding what’s next. So sad for all that is happening around the world with this situation. Hopefully soon solutions from the authorities. Stay all well and safe.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 9, 2020
The news of the cancellation has been met with varying reactions from the players, ranging from surprise to sadness…
I can’t believe it... https://t.co/lOFeeU9s7c
— Anastasia Potapova/Анастасия Потапова (@nastiaapotapova) March 9, 2020
So sad to hear the news about the postponing of the @BNPPARIBASOPEN . I was so excited to make my debut in IW, but safety is always the no.1 priority. Stay safe ??❤️
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) March 9, 2020
This is obviously disappointing but health is always a priority. Hope to be back at Indian Wells whenever the community recovers from this threat. Stay healthy guys! Wash your hands! https://t.co/2gmiyO4Phu
— Alla Kudryavtseva (@AllaK11) March 9, 2020
I’m shook ?
— Denis Shapovalov (@denis_shapo) March 9, 2020
Really... ? https://t.co/rEbMIBDGGD
— Johanna Konta (@JohannaKonta) March 9, 2020
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) March 7, 2020
— Donna Vekic (@DonnaVekic) March 9, 2020
Wtf? @WTA day before tournament starts? Everyone is here already?? https://t.co/P73tMRFpPi
— Alison Van Uytvanck (@AlisonVanU) March 9, 2020
Update on Indian Wells? https://t.co/aBPLIDmmdG
— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) March 9, 2020
Wild they canceled Indian Wells. Outdoor event. Players already there. Wild stuff
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) March 9, 2020
Can’t even imaging how MANY people lost LOTS of money with @BNPPARIBASOPEN cancellation... #ThinkingOutLoud
— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) March 9, 2020
Other players (a lot of them are already at Indian Wells) voiced their unhappiness at not being carried along in the decision making process, as a lot of them only found out about the news on Social media…
The lack of communication to the players about this whole situation is unbelievable. How is it ok that we are figuring out the hotel/practice situation from twitter? https://t.co/w3RzQBLJtO
— ダニエル太郎/Taro Daniel (@tarodaniel93) March 9, 2020
@WTA isnt the least you can do is organizing an emergency meeting with the players????
— Kirsten Flipkens (@FlipperKF) March 9, 2020
…although Nicole Gibbs claims the WTA sent out an email to the players…
There was an email!!!!!
— Nicole Gibbs (@Gibbsyyyy) March 9, 2020
Like most of us, the players are uncertain about what will happen to the tour in the immediate future…
Doesn’t bode well for the tour if IW cancelled for 1 confirmed case in Coachella Valley. Broward county (Miami Open home) has more confirmed cases. Monte Carlo borders northern Italy currently in lockdown. Rome Masters? French Open? Wimbledon?!!!
— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) March 9, 2020
Indian Wells is undoubtedly a tremendous hit but it is not far fetched to think that we won’t have a tour for a few months. Time to get creative
— Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33) March 9, 2020
Stefanos Tsitsipas knows exactly how to spend his free time!
Now I can finally get my driving license! ???
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@StefTsitsipas) March 9, 2020